How to Help Someone Undergoing Fentanyl Treatment?

Before you help someone, you first need to understand the situation they are in. The effects of fentanyl withdrawal frequently extend several days.

However, addiction's psychological repercussions last a lifetime. But it would be best if you are careful and seek medical advice at the right time.

Now, let's get to know more about the fentanyl treatment so you can help a loved one or yourself while undergoing the treatment.

1 - Fentanyl: what does it do?

Fentanyl is a painkiller that is only legally provided with a proper prescription. It is potent and also very addictive.

Fentanyl can be a respectable component of a pain management plan when used as instructed. Fentanyl patches provide long-lasting pain relief for those with chronic pain. After surgery, doctors may recommend IV fentanyl to reduce discomfort.

Fentanyl's effects are so strong that you need only minimal amounts to reduce pain. It is risky to take more than is advised.

As little as 2mg of the substance can cause a fatal overdose.

2 - What makes fentanyl addictive?

Fentanyl belongs to the opioid drug subclass. Opioids function by causing the brain to release endorphins. Endorphins are known as  "feel-good chemicals". In the case of fentanyl, it releases enough to generate a euphoric sensation or a "high".

Opioids are beneficial as prescription painkillers because endorphins reduce the perception of pain. Additionally, they produce a fleeting feeling of extreme happiness or euphoria. As the drugs leave your body, that euphoria fades, but the urge to experience it again could linger. It can be quite challenging to escape a drug usage cycle once you start looking for additional opioids.

Addiction starts with the need to obtain more of the drug. Opioids like fentanyl might make you dependent on them over time to feel good. Eventually, the urge to use can become overwhelming.

Any opioid use can result in addiction. Many people dependent on fentanyl become that way after a doctor prescribes it. Because there is a chance of addiction, many doctors are reluctant to recommend opioids for long-term pain management.

The requirement to take more medication is a serious risk of opioid addiction. You require increasing doses as your body adjusts to the medicines to acquire the intended results. Any substance taken in large dosages carries the risk of overdosing, which can be fatal.

It would help if you located a reputed clinic with a good rating for fentanyl withdrawal treatment.

3 - What is the withdrawal from fentanyl like?

The timetable for fentanyl withdrawal starts soon. Withdrawal symptoms can begin within 12 to 30 hours of your last dose. If you stop taking fentanyl or other opioids after becoming reliant on them, your body won't react well.

These signs include:

·      intense fentanyl urges

·      goosebumps or the chills

·      bloating

·      irritability

·      sickness or vomiting

·      pain (muscle cramps, bone pain)

·      yawns

·      runny nose

·      sleeping difficulties or restless sleep

·      sweating

·      abdomen pain

·      Weakness

4 - How do you handle withdrawal from fentanyl?

When detoxing from opioids, most people benefit from medical monitoring because the withdrawal symptoms can be very severe and intense. You may require additional drugs to lessen the effects of withdrawal. Work on a plan to discontinue Fentanyl treatment with your doctor if you have been using it for longer than two weeks.

You can gradually reduce your fentanyl intake until you no longer require it. This method is known as tapering.

Your doctor will keep an eye on your well-being as you taper. You might need frequent visits to monitor your symptoms and check your vital signs. Doctors may need blood samples to assess the levels of your medications in your system.

·      Medication-assisted therapy - In conjunction with a medication-assisted treatment program, your doctor might urge you to discontinue fentanyl treatment. In this therapy, fentanyl is swapped for another opioid, typically methadone, suboxone, or buprenorphine. These treat the physical opioid cravings without producing the euphoric effects of fentanyl.

The treatment program in question must be under medical supervision. Your doctor will decide your dosage.

5 - What are the risks of withdrawing from fentanyl?

One of the main factors contributing to drug overdoses in the US is illicit fentanyl. If you are addicted to fentanyl, withdrawal symptoms can push you to get it illegally.

However, this is extremely risky because fentanyl made illegally is not controlled. You cannot confirm the components of the dose. The dose may be considerably higher than what is safe and result in a fatal overdose.

Final note

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience withdrawal symptoms after attempting to stop using fentanyl. With the assistance of a doctor, you may manage symptoms of withdrawal without resorting to illegal narcotics.

Call 911 immediately if you believe you or someone you know has overdosed on fentanyl. Please visit the Cooperative recovery website if you have further concerns about a fentanyl treatment program.